UPDATE: Argentina’s hopes to rejoin the US visa waiver program have hit a significant roadblock, with officials confirming that holders of Argentine passports may face a wait of up to one year before being able to travel to the United States without a visa. This announcement follows a recent agreement signed between US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and President Javier Milei during her visit to Buenos Aires.
Speaking to local media, Noem emphasized that despite the eagerness of the US to include Argentina in its tourist visa waiver program, the timeline for implementation is challenging. “It would be very difficult for it to happen in less than a year; I don’t know if any country has done it before in less than a year,” she stated. This news comes as a disappointment for many Argentines who were hoping for a swift return to visa-free travel, a privilege they enjoyed from 1996 to 2002.
The visa waiver program is seen as crucial for enhancing tourism and business travel between the two nations. Noem expressed optimism about the potential benefits, stating it “could simplify the process and facilitate travel for both tourists and business travelers.” She also highlighted the importance of the program for both economies and the need for robust security measures, which include exchanging criminal information about travelers.
Under President Milei’s administration, Argentina has made significant strides in border security, achieving the lowest visa overstay rate in Latin America and witnessing a 25% increase in Argentine travel to the US within the first four months of this year.
The discussions between the two leaders also touched upon policies aimed at enhancing citizen security while maintaining freedom. Notably, Noem did not dismiss the possibility of a formal bilateral summit between President Trump and President Milei in the United States, which could further strengthen ties.
In an effort to streamline travel, plans are underway to implement a system that will allow Argentines to complete US immigration and customs formalities at local airports before departure, similar to existing procedures for flights from Canada.
With the prospect of a long wait ahead, many Argentines are left anxious about their travel plans. The outcome of this initiative will likely have lasting implications on tourism and economic relations between Argentina and the United States. As developments unfold, travelers and businesses alike are urged to stay informed about the progress of this important agreement.